Who do you see in the mirror?

This morning, I wrote a blog entitled "Who is looking back at me?"   I believe it is my best blog ever.  Check it out at www.activatetheimaginable.wordpress.com

Therefore, I am entitling this blog as "Who do you see in the mirror?"

Have you really looked in the mirror since you were diagnosed with Parkinson's diease?  I did this morning.  I realized I see the same person as I did before I was diagnosed with such a chronic progressive illness.  I might not be able to move very fast in the mornings now, therefore, I just get up earlier and take some meds and when they kick in then I get moving to the same old beat as I did before my diagnosis.

I still look the same, brown hair or maybe strawberry blonde, depending on what color dye is on it.   I have beautiful hazel eyes that go great with that wonderful smile of mine.  My eyelids might not blink as much as they did before, however, I just look at it as if my eyes want to take in more beauty that surrounds me on this earth.

I'm still the loving and a caring person that I was before this crazy disease.  I still try to help those around me with stories of my own to motivate others.  I show others with this disease how much I care about them and teach them as much as I can so they can feel as good about theirselves as they possibly can.

Now look back in that mirror again.  Who do you see deep down inside?

For just one more day

I’m a young woman, whom used to be strong and free.
But now I’m stricken with Parkinson’s disease.
I can’t walk without shuffling my feet.
There are times I feel defeat.
I stay at home all day long, and wonder how it would feel to just work one more day.
If only I had that one day to feel complete.
In complete control of my destiny.

Mary Killian 2013

Shopping spree

My oldest sister found out about 6 months ago that she also has Parkinson's disease.  She is in the early stages of this disease.  On occasions she will call me to talk about her shopping sprees, which I can't help but laugh as she's telling me to stop.  The meds we both take cause an addiction to shopping.  However, she told me this time that I should not be laughing and should be telling her to stop.  I let her know that is not possible.  When I was at the top of my game with that shopping addiction, my 5 sisters were all telling me I needed to stop.  I laugh because I sure can relate.

Physical Therapy

I have been going to Physical Therapy for over a week now.  I have been getting my ankle back in shape.  Plus, a lot of core and balance exercises.  I am doing very well.  I'm amazed at how bad I really was doing.  These exercises are going to whip me back in shape and I just might feel like a teenager again....lol

If your not walking just right or your balance is keeping you from moving too fast, ask your doctor if Physical Therapy is for you. 

A  little exercise can go a long way.

Enjoy!

Who do you see in that reflection?

This morning, I wrote a blog entitled "Who is looking back at me?"   I believe it is my best blog ever.  Check it out at www.activatetheimaginable.wordpress.com

Therefore, I am entitling this blog as "Who do you see in the mirror?"

Have you really looked in the mirror since you were diagnosed with Parkinson's diease?  I did this morning.  I realized I see the same person as I did before I was diagnosed with such a chronic progressive disease.  I might not be able to move very fast in the mornings now, therefore, I just get up earlier and take some meds and when they kick in then I get moving to the same old beat as I did before until it's almost time for that next set of meds.

I still look the same, brown hair or maybe strawberry blonde, depending on what color dye is on it.   I have beautiful hazel eyes that go great with that wonderful smile of mine.  My eyelids might not blink as much as they did before, however, I just look at it as if my eyes want to take in more beauty that surrounds me on this earth.

Catch me at the right moment and you might see me twitch, jerk or stumble.  That's when I will share a laugh with you so you don't feel uncomfortable while this takes place.

I'm still the loving and a caring person that I was before this crazy disease.  I still try to help those around me with stories of my own to motivate others.  I show others with this disease how much I care about them and teach them as much as I can so they can feel as good about theirselves as they possibly can.

Now look back in that mirror again.  Who do you see deep down inside?

Reflection

Today, is the day that we sit in a quiet room.  Not even a clock ticking in the background.  Think of your favorite vacation, day or person and focus in on what happened that day or why that person is your favorite.  Think of the smells around you.  When was the last time you went to this place, or repeted what happened that day or seen that person.  How is this making you feel?  I know I have a smile on my face.  I remember that vacation as if it was yesterday, and I can't remember anything. 

I remember the talks with my husband on the beach at night.  Watching my kids sit and talk together.  It was just the four of us basking in the sun and water.  Drifting far out in the ocean on my raft and then wondering how fast I could get back to shore, just in case I spotted a shark.  The movies we all laughed at in the evenings before bedtime.  The smells of the sand, fell of the sun, the sounds of the waves and birds. 

This feels so good.  Even if I can't physically go there at least I can still in my mind.  What a wonderful vacation even if it was only 15 minutes in my mind.  I plan to go there another day this week.

Enjoy!

Oh Magic Pill

Oh Magic Pill

Oh Magic Pill

Please work your miracle on me

Help me to think, walk, and talk just for a while

Oh Magic Pill

Oh Magic Pill

You are my very best friend

You help me when my feet want to shuffle

And make me take those big steps

Oh Magic Pill

Oh Magic Pill

You take away that slur so people don’t laugh at me

To be able to communicate would just be grand

Oh Magic Pill

Oh Magic Pill

You’re always there to help me to stand upright

Too many falls may cause me to bruise or break

Oh Magic Pill

Oh Magic Pill

Please help me to move and act right, so my family doesn’t worry

For just an hour or two, let them think I’m normal again

Oh Magic Pill

Oh Magic Pill

You are my very best friend!

Exercise!

Exercise; Have you heard this word recently? I know I have heard it over a dozen times this year. I’m beginning to think exercise helps you with everything. I’ve tried it several times and have failed each time. I’m not making the grade to pass. Thank goodness, I didn’t do that in math and English.
I do realize; however, that I do need to exercise. It would make me feel so much better, however, I don’t know where to start. I usually try something and it only lasts about 2-4 weeks. I’ve tried it at home and the gym. Oh, yes; I’m paying for a membership that I don’t use.
I’ve tried walking, indoors, outdoors and even on a treadmill, and I can say I just really don’t care too much for it. Yoga is too slow and not quite for me. Jazzercise is just too darn fast that I can’t keep up. Water exercise; well let’s just say that isn’t for me either. I think I will google the words ”Exercise Alternatives”. Maybe there is some alternative to exercising. Wow! I’m not the only one that has this problem. There are all kinds of suggestions. 100 fun exercises to add to your gym membership….Dance…tried it! Don’t forget those old exercise video’s that are collecting dust. Now you can get them on-line and down load to your iPod. You’re kidding me? Kettle bells, medicine balls and even sand bags; I think I need to go back to school to learn all this. Not! That would be too much brain exercise.
There are some alternatives to exercise that make me think. You can count house cleaning as exercise. Not me; hate it! Coaching is considered exercise. I think that is because it gets your heart rate going. I did that for over 15 years; burn out! Move on; what else.
Here are some good ones: Home gym. Keep a set of dumbbells in a kitchen cabinet or food pantry, and do a few bicep curls and shoulder presses while dinner is cooking. Use a stability ball as a desk chair to work your abs while you’re paying bills. Keep a yoga mat under your bed, and pull it out for some downward dogs in the morning or before going to bed at night. I’d probably cook the dumbbells; I’d forget to pay the bills and I do the downward dog already every day. It helps me move in the morning. Wow! Score one for me.
Date nights in sneakers. If your date nights typically involve a dinner and a movie, ask your partner to join you on a long walk, or go bowling or dancing. I can see me ask Tony to go walking, etc.
Get a dog. A Canadian study showed that dog owners spend about 300 minutes or five hours a week doing Fido-related physical activities. By taking pooch out to do his business, playing tug of war, and going to the dog park, you will burn lots of calories. I have two dogs and their lazy ones that lay around all day under my feet. Plus, I live in the country and just let them out the door.
There are a few more listed, but my fingers are getting tired from all this typing. Finger Exercise! Score! I have gotten a lot of exercise writing this blog. I’ve seen the word “exercise” over 100 times; I’ve gotten out of my seat at least 5 times to stretch and my brain is tired from all this writing. Wow! I did about 45 minutes of exercise. I’m tired and need to go rest.

Stuff, things or treasures

I have stuff; I have things and I have lots of treasures. Today, I walked slowly through my house and garden to see how much stuff I had collected over the past 12 months. I started out taking pictures of the wonderful treasures I had either received from friends or purchased at a yard sale or peddler mall. Then I said to myself “STOP”. I said it out loud again “STOP”. If I had a roll of film to change, it would have been changed several times. I had small stuff, like a figurine that I used to add to a floral arrangement. A small organizer with several drawers in it for different nails and screws has come in very useful. I had medium items like some larger flower pots to put out in the garden. A couple of medium size shelves to put paint and fabric on have helped organize the basement. The larger items include book shelves, chairs and tables. To most people, that probably sounds like a lot of things and stuff, but to me they are treasures. I purchased a gaming table in hopes that one day my son will challenge me in a game of checkers. I might even let him win. I purchased a couple of shelves that display, not only our favorite books, but some old pictures and memorabilia items. I have several beautiful bird houses that either the birds or I get to enjoy.  Some parkinson medication side effects is addiction to ether sex, shopping or gambling. I can say that my addiction to shopping is helping me gain more treasures. What about you; do you have stuff, things or treasures?

My Life with Parkinson's disease: Medication, Medication, Medication

My Life with Parkinson's disease: Medication, Medication, Medication: Why is it so hard to remember to take your medication when you know it is going to make you feel better? I am constantly forgetting to tak...

Medication, Medication, Medication

Why is it so hard to remember to take your medication when you know it is going to make you feel better?

I am constantly forgetting to take my meds.  When I forget to take some, it is hard for me to walk.....so WHY do I forget? 

My mother-in-law is contantly reminding me when she is here.  I have tried setting my phone alarm, but I hit the button when it rings and then I forget if I don't move fast.  How crazy is that?

I have to take the same amount at the same time every day, so you would think by now I would be in the habit of doing it.  NOT!

Oh well, maybe tomorrow I'll do it better.

Life goes on

Wow, it took me forever to figure out how to get into this to write a new blog.  I guess I need to make time to write out the directions.  I am happy I am still laughing out this situation.  Oh well, life goes on..............

It is so strange that with PD you never know from moment to moment on how you are going to feel.  Today, I went over to plant some flowers and veggies with my Great Nephew, Barrett.  We did get it accomplished, however, I had to ask my sister,  Barbara, for help.  My hands didn't want to cooperate putting together the little greenhouse.  I did my best, but didn't get frustrated.  I guess I have realized that some times I need help. 

I had another fall.  This time, I was sleeping on the couch and all of a sudden my body took a leap and I fell on the coffee table and broke it.  I hurt for a few days and have a bruised arm.  I guess I need a bed rail for the couch too.  LOL!!!

I am still looking for my purpose in life.  I have been taking it easy and doing my exercises at home and doing my best cleaning the house.  I get a little done each day.  I only leave my house to go visit the boys and from time to time run to the store with Tony.    Oh well, life goes on...........

Chaos, Crisis & Life

I'm not trying to rush my life, but I can't wait for the month of August to be gone.  There has been so much chaos in my life this month.  My husband started having double vision earlier in the month.  He has to wear a patch over one eye so he can continue working and continue with life.  He has been through testing and still to this day we are unsure why the double vision or when and/if it will go away. 

Over the past 5-6 day, both of us have had a viral infection, which has kept us in bed for days.   I'm starting to get stir crazy from being in doors so much.  Since we got ill, I have been neglecting my parkinson's meds on a regular basis.  It has been hard to keep up with the family, laundry, dishes (even though not cooking this week), and being ill and taking care of myself and Tony.  I have been sleeping a lot and a little out of connection with life in general.  Hopefully, I will get back to life soon.

I hope when others have to go through this type of chaos and crisis that they can just keep faith and realize their illness will pass.

I've been having problems with my memory.  I have been forgetting id's and passwords and how to get in and out of computer programs.  My dementia is really kicking in.  Today, it took me a while, but I got in here.  Therefore, I'm going to tell you what has been going on in my life. 

A couple of my face book friends that have Parkinson's are really having some problems.  They are both really young in age and I hate to hear the pain they are in because of this disease.  Please keep them in your prayers.

I went to my new Neurologist the other day.  She is great.  Told me to continue with my meds and come back in 4-6 months.  We are still working on some lab work to find out about my feet and hands, plus try to figure out why the M-Spike.  I will update you on that again later.

My new companion Ellie Mae is doing well.  She is now 7 months old.  She loves to jump and chew.  We work on correcting this everyday.  I am now taking her out side from the basement where her room is.  I was afraid she was going to knock me down the steps.  So now I'm taking the safe route.

We got the swimming pool.  I can now do my exercises at home.   My body is still aching since I started the water exercise because I am using muscles that I didn't before.  Everyday I can't wait to get in it for more exercise.  It is really helping me.

Thanks for listening.  Got to rest.

I want to appologize for not writing in a long time.  I have been feeling down for a while now.  My meds are under control and things are getting better.  Therefore, I felt the post below would be appropriate.

I want my life back in more ways than one without illness, fear and pain.
I want to be able to walk fast, skip and run. To be able to walk up the stairs without failing would be grand. No more bruises, scraped knees or hurt ankles would make me smile again.
Multi-tasking has left my life. Now I understand that saying “can’t chew gum or walk at the same time”.
Where have my brain cells gone? Their sure not up there anymore. To be able to say words when I’m talking and say them correctly without a slur.
I want my life back to be able to drive and go places to see the world. Becoming a home body more and more everyday is making me feel like I’m closing out the ones so dear to me.
Cooking used to be so enjoyable now it’s a disaster in reality. No more 3 course meals for you; only mac and cheese will do.
I love to write, but these fingers now just don’t want to type. Oh, what to do?  Just take it slow. You’ll get those words on paper for sure. It just might take a day or two.
I want my life back in more ways than one without illness, fear and pain.

A friend with Parkinson's disease

I’m going to talk a lot

So I don’t lose my voice

I’m going to sing LOUD

Or maybe I should get lessons first

I’m going to dance often

So my legs don’t go weak

I’m going to eat right

To make my bones strong

I’m going to make lots of friends

So I can help them to understand

The path they are to make

I will talk with them so their voices don’t go soft

I will sing LOUD with them and we won’t care how bad we sound

I’m going to dance with my new friends

So their legs won’t go weak

Eating often together is the thing to keep our bones healthy and strong

I will take this journey with my friends and we will have plenty of fun

So won’t you be my friend?

Great News

All my testing that was being done for cancer have come out negative.  Yay Me!  More testing in a year to see what that M-spike is doing.

Thanks for all your concerns.

My Life with Parkinson's disease: Agenda

My Life with Parkinson's disease: Agenda: You wake up before the crack of dawn Just to take your meds so your feet will hit the ground You wait 30 minutes for them to kick in Then yo...

Agenda

You wake up before the crack of dawn

Just to take your meds so your feet will hit the ground

You wait 30 minutes for them to kick in

Then you make your way out of the bed

You slowly walk towards the kitchen

Just to trip over one more toy

One more bruise and one more cut is fine with you

You look at your agenda to see what there is to do

You look at your agenda again

Just to make sure there is not a client name and time

Then you realize, that you haven’t had any appointments like that in such a long time

You look at your agenda and wonder, what you are to do?

Nowhere to run or be there by 9

There is nothing that has to get done

No one to see or nowhere to go

Could it be true, that there is nothing to do?

Your agenda is filled with doctor’s appointments and times to take your meds.

You still wake up before the crack of dawn

And wonder what to do?

You make your way to the porch to listen to the birds and other animals too

Watch the sunrise; and the beauty around and wonder what you will do next

You’ve finished reading one hundred books!

You wake up again before the crack of dawn

Wondering what to do

Could it be true, there is nothing to do?

Just sit back, relax and enjoy this journey

Enjoy the beauty of the sunrise and sunset

Watch the planes and the birds fly by

Smell the flowers and feel the breeze

Call on a friend and have them over to enjoy the beauty that surrounds you daily

Could it be that this is on your agenda?

Wake up before the crack of dawn

Just to watch the sunrise

And end the day with the sunset

That’s what is on my agenda!

Hugs!

Give me a hug for it will make me feel better.

Time will heal and a hug will make it go faster.

It will make me forget the pain I’m in and that would be great to forget for one day.

Hugs make you smile and I want to smile for hours.

It’s amazing how a hug can make you feel.

Pull me close and put your arms around me.

Hug me so softly like it’s never going to end

For I need a hug to make me feel better.